The price of propane in MA commonly falls around $2.75-$4.25 per gallon for residential delivery, with a typical planning estimate near $3.50 per gallon. The delivered rate depends on order size, season, supplier, location, and whether tank rental or other fees apply.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential propane | $2.75/gal | $3.50/gal | $4.25/gal | Typical delivered planning range |
| 100-gallon delivery | $275 | $350 | $425 | Before possible fees or taxes |
| 500-gallon delivery | $1,375 | $1,750 | $2,125 | Based on gallons delivered, not tank size |
| Tank lease | $0/year | $75/year | $200/year | May be waived with a usage commitment |
Assumptions: residential bulk delivery, typical Massachusetts access, and no unusually long distance or emergency service charge.
What Massachusetts households pay per gallon
For a standard residential fill, budget about $275-$425 for 100 gallons, or $2.75-$4.25 per gallon. A 200-gallon order would cost roughly $550-$850 at those rates. These are practical comparison ranges rather than a guaranteed statewide price; suppliers may quote a lower rate for larger orders or a fixed-price plan.
A 500-gallon tank usually cannot be filled to its full nominal capacity because propane tanks are filled to about 80% for expansion space. A nearly empty 500-gallon tank might therefore take around 350-400 gallons, putting a typical fill near $1,225-$1,700 at $3.50-$4.25 per gallon.
How delivery, fuel, and tank charges shape the bill
The per-gallon quote is not always the complete cost. Ask whether the rate includes delivery, account fees, tank rental, and applicable taxes. The table shows common quote components; actual charges depend on the supplier and service agreement.
| Quote component | Typical range | How it is charged | Cost note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Propane | $2.75-$4.25 | Per gallon | Main fuel charge |
| Tank lease | $0-$200 | Per year | May require minimum annual purchases |
| Delivery fee | $0-$25 | Per delivery | Some suppliers include it in the rate |
| Service or account fee | $0-$15 | Per month or bill | Check the contract and invoice |
| Emergency delivery | $50-$200 | Per call | Possible after-hours or low-tank charge |
Compare the delivered total, not just the advertised gallon price. For labor-related work such as leak checks or appliance service, a provider may charge about $100-$175 per hour, apart from the propane purchase.
Why winter gallons and delivery size change the rate
Heating demand typically rises in cold weather, and winter deliveries can cost more when wholesale supply, transport, or local delivery schedules tighten. A seasonal difference of roughly 10%-25% is possible, but timing and supplier contracts matter. Emergency service can add a separate fee on top of the per-gallon charge.
Order size also affects the quote. A delivery of 150 gallons or more may qualify for a lower unit rate with some suppliers, while small or minimum deliveries can carry a higher effective price. Tank level, truck access, and distance from the supplier’s route may also affect service charges.
How much a 500-gallon tank fill may cost
Tank capacity does not equal the gallons delivered. At the usual 80% fill limit, a 500-gallon tank holds about 400 gallons when full. If the tank is at 20% before delivery, it may take about 300 gallons to reach 80%.
At $3.25-$4.00 per gallon, that 300-gallon fill costs about $975-$1,200 before fees. A smaller 100-gallon order at the same price is $325-$400. For a useful budget, multiply the supplier’s per-gallon quote by the expected gallons, then add delivery and tank charges.
Does Massachusetts propane cost vary by region
Prices can differ between Greater Boston, central Massachusetts, and rural western or southeastern areas because of delivery routes, supplier competition, and access. As a budgeting allowance, rural customers or homes farther from a regular route may see rates about 5%-15% above a comparable urban or suburban quote. This is not a fixed regional premium; obtain local quotes before ordering.
Road access can matter as much as the town. A long driveway, steep grade, or limited truck turnaround can affect delivery feasibility or require a smaller truck. Ask suppliers whether the quoted rate assumes standard access and whether a special trip costs extra.
Which Massachusetts quote examples fit common homes
A modest-use home ordering 100 gallons at $3.80 per gallon pays about $380 for fuel, plus any fees. A household ordering 250 gallons at $3.40 per gallon pays about $850. A larger winter delivery of 350 gallons at $3.20 per gallon totals $1,120 before charges. These examples use different assumed rates and do not predict a specific supplier’s offer.
Match quotes using the same gallons, delivery terms, and contract period. A lower per-gallon price may be offset by tank rent, a minimum-use requirement, automatic-delivery charges, or an early termination fee.
Can fixed-price propane plans reduce winter uncertainty
Suppliers may offer fixed-price, capped-price, or pre-buy plans. Fixed pricing sets a rate for an agreed volume, while capped pricing limits the rate but may allow it to fall if market prices decline. Pre-buy plans require payment in advance and may have restrictions on unused gallons.
Check the plan’s rate, required gallons, payment schedule, delivery fees, and cancellation terms. Compare it with a variable-rate offer using an estimated seasonal use of 500-1,000 gallons; at a $0.30-per-gallon difference, the annual fuel-price impact would be $150-$300.
Ways to cut the propane bill without risking a runout
Request itemized quotes from at least three local suppliers and compare the price at the same delivery volume. Ask whether a scheduled fill, larger order, or automatic delivery changes the gallon rate, and verify minimum annual-use rules before switching providers.
Track household use and schedule deliveries before the tank reaches a critical level, when emergency fees may apply. Improve air sealing and thermostat scheduling to reduce heating demand, but avoid lowering tank levels beyond the supplier’s safe delivery threshold. Keeping the tank accessible and comparing total contract costs are practical ways to control expenses without choosing fuel solely by the lowest advertised rate.